Pubic concerns about the location and easy access to new Clinical Assessment Treatment and Support (CATS) centres have prompted voluntary groups representing the voices of patients throughout Cumbria to establish their own consultation.

The Cumbrian network of volunteer Patient and Public Involvement in Health (PPI) Forums - which has a statutory right to inspect healthcare provision across all aspects of the NHS - is campaigning to ensure that the views of residents and health service users will be communicated effectively to the NHS consultation group currently looking at how and where CATS centres will operate.

"CATS centres are being promoted as a one-stop shop' for a range of diagnostics and operations, including orthopaedic, gynaecological and ear, nose and throat procedures. They will be funded by the NHS, but run by a private company," explained Anne Glazebrook, vice chair of the PPI Forums' Joint Consultation Sub Committee.

"The NHS consultation is not about whether the public in Cumbria wants CATS - it has already been decided that they will go ahead. But it is crucial that the Primary Care Trust (PCT) representatives sitting on the consultation group take into account issues such as accessibility for people with no transport and timings of appointments," she added. More PPI Forum members are inviting people to let them know their views on the CATS proposals so they can make an informed, unified response to the NHS (by 9th March 2007).

To find out more about CATS contact the PPI Forums on 01768 899608 or for information about CATS direct from the NHS consultation website, visit: http://www.cumbriaandlancashirecats.nhs.uk/cats/